Police are investigating after crosses were stolen and left at a bus shelter, shocking the community on social media.
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The six crosses, used as grave markers, were found by a local resident.
Their family contacted police and posted on social media in the hopes of reconnecting the crosses with the families.
Orana Mid-Western Police District crime coordinator Sergeant Jill Gibson said the crosses were not stolen from graves and police believed they were stolen from a storage facility where they are kept after use.
“Temporary grave markers that were up at the location, look like they’ve been stolen from a business here in Dubbo, taken out to Firgrove bus shelter and arranged,” she said.
“Police were advised on Sunday about 7.30pm, we’ve gone out and seized the temporary grave markers and they were returned to the owner.”
The story was shared widely on social media including two well-known Dubbo pages and on personal Facebook pages.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with some questioning the culprit’s morals and others who said the act was “disgraceful" and “sickening”.
Police have appealed for the public’s help as they investigate the theft.
“Obviously we look upon that as a disgusting act, to steal grave markers and erect them in a residential area.”
“Obviously we look upon that as a disgusting act, to steal grave markers and erect them in a residential area.
- Sergeant Jill Gibson
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“What may have been seen as a funny by some can cause great distress to others,” Sergeant Gibson said.
“If people do feel that [vandalism or crime] is happening, we encourage people to report it.
“We encourage anyone with information to come forward. If you got a Snapchat about it, Facebook or may know anything we would love to find out who is responsible.”
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Dubbo police on 6883 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://www.crimestoppers.com.au.